A phase 1/2, first-in-human trial of ZB131, a novel antibody targeting cancer-specific plectin (CSP) in advanced solid tumors

• Published in: Journal of clinical oncology Vol. 41; no. 16_suppl; p. 3083
• Main Authors: Sommerhalder, David, Piha-Paul, Sarina A., Pelster, Meredith, Borad, Mitesh J., Vandross, Andrae Lavon, Spira, Alexander I., Perez, Samantha, Brinton, Lindsey, Kelly, Kimberly, Ramanathan, Ramesh K., Reilley, Matthew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2023
• ISSN: 0732-183X; 1527-7755
• DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.3083

3083 Background: Cancer-Specific Plectin (CSP) is a novel pro-tumorigenic target that is selectively expressed on the surface of tumors, while absent from benign tissue. CSP is highly expressed in many solid cancers, particularly pancreatic (PC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and ovarian (OC). ZB131 (Zielbio), is a humanized anti-CSP IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to CSP on the surface of tumor cells, rapidly internalizes and modulates key proliferative and cytoskeletal remodeling signaling pathways to decrease cancer cell growth and increase the recruitment of anti-tumor immune infiltrates. Methods: The dose escalation (3+3 design) and expansion are enrolling adult patients (pts) with advanced treatment-refractory solid tumors. ZB131 was administered IV over 60 minutes (without premedication) weekly. The starting dose of ZB131 is 0.3 mg/kg followed by 1,3, 9, 15 and 30 mg/kg. Primary objectives are safety, tolerability, and maximum tolerated dose/determination of Phase 2 dose. Secondary objectives are preliminary efficacy (RECIST v1.1), Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic parameters in blood and paired tumor biopsies. Results: As of 31 Jan 2023, 24 pts had enrolled (9 PC, 6 CCA, 4 OC, 5 other). The median age was 59.5 yr (range, 35 – 84) with a median of 4 prior lines of therapy. The median ZB131 treatment duration is 5.3 weeks (range, 1 – 33). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed up to the dose of 30 mg/kg which is currently enrolling. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were grade 1/ 2: nausea (n=6), fatigue (n=5), anemia (n=3), diarrhea (n=2), flulike symptoms (n=2), and vomiting (n=2). Mild flu-like symptoms and nausea/vomiting were observed during or following infusion at doses of 9 mg/kg and above. Except for one episode of Gr 3 neutropenia at the 30 mg/kg dose, no other drug-related grade 3/4 TRAE’s were reported. Five pts had stable disease range, 12 – 33 weeks (2 PC, 1 CCA, 2 OC), with a 43% decrease in CA-125 observed in one OC pt. The PKs are linear and dose-proportional for all dose levels evaluated (estimated T ½ of 6-9 days). No antidrug antibodies have been detected. Conclusions: Interim data from dose-escalation of this first-in-class, anti CSP antibody, demonstrates good tolerability with encouraging signs of activity and target engagement in heavily pretreated pts. Results support further clinical evaluation of ZB131 in dose-expansion cohorts including OC and including combination therapy with gemcitabine. Clinical trial information: NCT 05074472 .